Begovic error costs Chelsea victory at Liverpool

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1

An error by Asmir Begovic cost Chelsea victory at Anfield, where Christian Benteke headed in an injury-time equaliser.

The Blues keeper – called into the side after Thibaut Courtois fell ill – misjudged a Sheyi Ojo cross and could only palm into the path of Benteke, who nodded in.

Chelsea looked to have done enough to earn their third successive league win at Anfield after Eden Hazard produced another reminder of his quality.

Bettering his equaliser against Tottenham nine days ago, the Belgian showed dazzling close control as he skipped in from the left flank, drifted past several static Liverpool players and clipped a low right-footed finish into the bottom corner.

Hazard also had Chelsea’s best chance prior to the goal with a fierce shot that Reds keeper Simon Mignolet was equal to.

Liverpool were the brighter side early on, with Begovic beating away Adam Lallana’s shot from the edge of the box, and the Chelsea keeper also denied Philippe Coutinho after Hazard’s goal.

Hazard was to the fore again after the break, producing a save from Mignolet, who also did well to keep out an effort from Traore following fine work from Pedro.

On a rare occasion Liverpool did manage to carve open a well-drilled Chelsea defence, Begovic was alert to block as Daniel Sturridge was slipped in on goal by Adam Lallana.

Chelsea had suffered an injury blow early in the second half when Willian limped off, but they were also able to give a debut to 18-year-old Tammy Abraham.

Pedro had the chance to wrap up victory when he was played in by Hazard, but Mignolet once again denied him – and it proved a crucial stop as Begovic flapped and Benteke netted.